-Pathfinder-

19 hours ago – Lower City – Demo Safe House – 9:32pm

To the two Demos, my proposal still sounded crazy, no matter how I put it. Regardless of their reluctance, at least they finally agreed to let me make my own way to the top of the "fortress", as they described. Night fell, and once more, Highrell returned to its unsettling look, with the tall spires in the distance lit, giving their sharp features prominence, even from the lower city.

I gathered my things; all the evidence and the train map. Food and water the Demos provided me, all in a small pouch for me to take, along with a few words of advice with sticking to the shadows. I stood by the front door, running through in my head which way I would have to travel once I was on the road. It would start with a left heading towards the nearby intersection, and then I would take the route as indicated by the sign, that would lead me into middle city. As for getting past the checkpoints stationed at the lower to middle city junction, I would have Demos to assist for that. Though they called this a suicidal run and showed resentment towards what I wanted to do, they still remained adamant in at least helping me into the middle city. I guess if there was anything they owed me, it would be because of my respect for not mistreating their hospitality.

After getting past the junction, I'll just have to improvise with which routes I took. But so long as I stuck to the back streets and shadows, I shouldn't be found out. The police and hunters would still be occupied with trying to cover the entire lower city. As far as they were concerned, I was only a lucky exile that managed to escape their raid, but only for a time to wonder aimlessly in the same area without help, going by the Demos well placed sources again. Funny that, I had to wonder for a moment what kind of source would have direct knowledge of hunter movements from HEA. If anything they probably had a person who was on the inside, who themselves, was a hunter.

Smith and the female neraei came into the corridor behind me as I continued to face the door.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" the female spoke.

"Sure as can be."

"Nothing left that can change your mind?" Smith added.

"No."

We all remained crammed in the corridor as I breathed in slowly.

"I know this is gonna sound kind of stupid, but why help me if you said it was suicide?"

They both turned to face each other for a second.

"Well, as much as we know that this is a bad idea, it'd be even worse if we chose not to help neraei in need at all. Especially if it's someone who carries the hopes of many and not just the hopes for themselves," said Smith, "You carry our hopes LenZ, a chance to send a message to the highest level. I get that your personal interests are with the kidnappers, but in saying that, the kidnappers are in effect related to our efforts of breaking the segregation laws, because that's exactly what they've done. With the evidence you've provided, there's no question of that. Should you succeed in bringing light to the kidnapper's origins, you may also succeed in weakening the segregation. And it's because of this; we stand by to assist you."

Figures that they needed a reason to accompany me. Although it isn't my sole intention to go head-to-head with the segregation, I couldn't help but feel that my efforts might make a difference, in some shape or form for the better.

"I see, I suppose I'll be wishing you luck on trying to get the word out too?"

He nodded.

"The pictures have been processed; copies of your evidence are ready for distribution. How exactly we plan to do so, that'll be another story."

He checked his watch.

"We should get going."

I nodded. I turned for the door and rolled the knob. This was it.

We all stepped outside into the night's chill; my journey had started, walking down the road back to the intersection.

"Now like I said before, we can only help you to get past their checkpoint, but after that you'll be on your own," the female quietly spoke.

"I understand, to keep your Demo covers intact right?"

"Right."

We arrived at the intersection, stopping by the sign pointing in the direction of the junction. In the distance, we could faintly see some lights dotting the area, the checkpoint itself no doubt.

"Here we go again," said Smith pulling out a small flask out of his pant pocket.

"What's that for?" I asked.

"Our distraction, as I'm sure you're already well acquainted with."

He cupped a hand and dripped a few drops of alcohol from the flask, going by the smell, drip onto his palm. He then hastily started dabbing it all over his neck and face, finishing with a brandish of outstretched arms.

"Convinshing?" Smith spoke putting on a drunk lisp.

"Seemingly," I replied with a smile.

"I'll give you two, two minutes to get as close as you can, then I'm on, then you should be off."

"Ok, thank you Smith."

"Anytime."

He turned and started off on another street heading around to where the checkpoint was, I separated with the female neraei in the opposite direction to also circle round as close we could to the junction. We silently crept along the alleys until we hit the dividing wall from lower to middle. Just as the curvature of the wall was curving away, it revealed the junction and the checkpoint from the side. We could just make out in the rays of the checkpoint lights, four people stationed there, presumably hunters going by the casual clothing. Two were standing by a car at the front part of the checkpoint and the other two were walking around at the back. We stopped, crouched, and waited in silence for Smith to put on some kind of diversion to shift their attention. The female neraei who was... hmm, come to think of it, after all this time ...

"I never bothered to ask," I whispered to her, "what is your name?"

She stayed silent for a moment as she took a quick peek around the wall, before quickly withdrawing.

"You can call me Anna," She responded.

"That's not your real name is it?"

"No."

"Well, thank you anyway Anna."

She nodded at me.

A moment passed by as the silenced continued again until ...

"Hellooooooooooooooo bah-oissssshhhh!"

An obnoxious sounding cry carried well over the ears of the hunters, from someone in the darkness beyond. A stumbling Smith soon came into view.

"Ahhaaa, hey, a shtreet party!"

One of the hunters by the car stepped forward.

"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to move along."

"Yeah, move along to the beat, I'm with you dude!"

Smith then started to do some slow looking moves around the hunter

"Please leave now, this is official business," said the second by the car.

"Offishial! It ain't looking it to me; explain all zhe pretty party lights, ehhh?"

The hunter sighed.

"Brennan, can you give us a hand here?"

At this point, the hunters at the back had Smith's full attention, maybe a bit too much, as they had their hands rested on their pistols, and were slowly walking up to him.

"You idiot, clear off! Go back or go through already!"

"Hey, I'm allowed to walk, when I damn well want, to walk. Oooh, shweet ride."

Smith started to idle up to their car, pretending to admire its interior. Immediately, all four of the hunters were now onto him, trying to pull him back, away from the car.

"Ok go LenZ, now," Anna urged, "good luck."

I stood up, and moved as fast as I could while hardly making any noise. Now was my chance to run in!

My heart gained a few extra beats, as I neared from behind, the commotion that was taking place. The four hunters were now busy trying to restrain Smith as he started to shout cries of protest. I snagged a view of one of the hunters pulling Smith's flask out of his hand and throwing it away.

"You've had enough drinks pal! Go piss off somewhere else!"

I slipped past the lights dotting the junction, back around the wall onto the other side and crouched behind some garbage bins. I could make out through the gap of the bins, Smith getting carted from the checkpoint and thrown away.

"Argh, you guysh are noooo fun."

Continuing his act, he got up and tripped over himself at his attempt. Steadying himself once more he stood up, and started to stumble away, giving one quick glance at the checkpoint before disappearing all together from sight. The hunters were coming back to resume their positions previously. It was time to leave and make good on giving them the slip.

I turned back to my immediate surroundings. Comparatively with lower city, middle seemed much cleaner, with even taller buildings and widened roads heading in. In the distance I could see a few cars rushing by from left to right and right to left, their headlights streaking by. It didn't look as though many cars wanted to turn down the road I was on to head down into lower city, which was good. So before that happens, I best get off street. I headed up towards where the intersection was, hoping that I would hit an alley along the way, and preferably soon. If anything, as I got closer to the intersection, there seemed to be little sign of a helpful alley anywhere. The best I had to eventually settle for was a smaller street which led off to the left before hitting the main road. I turned in, oh watch it, there was someone else who was about on the sidewalk opposite. I kept my head low as I could in my poncho as I continued to walk away. The stranger did notice me for a moment, but he simply turned his head back as he was crossing the road behind me. Nice and steady LenZ, to everyone, you're just someone who's homeless. Keep walking, don't look back.

17 hours ago – Middle City – Transit Line 7A vicinity – Sometime in the night

After a while of walking on small streets, I eventually had to contend with the main streets in order to make any further progress. To my own surprise, it mostly was easy going. Everyone was simply too busy to pay attention to the sidewalk when they were constantly rushing down the road with their assortment of vehicles. Though just to be safe, I continued to make sure my paws were hidden and my face was drawn slightly into my poncho. For the most part, I also stuck to being on the side of the road, where the cars were heading with me, so they could only sight the back of my head and not so much my face. Only on two occasions, did I come really close to people who were on the same sidewalk as I. Averting my head was all that I could do, and thankfully they didn't figure out who I was. Those were the only times I felt I could be in trouble.

Eventually, I came across something that caught my attention. Some stairs leading off the street, upwards towards some elevated platform. Several beams were headed out and atop of them, something was moving along, away from the platform. It generated a whirring noise with metal clunks sounding at regular intervals. Some transport perhaps? Is this the kind of fast transport Cairn was referring too? I looked around for some kind of sign as to what this was. At the base of the stairs leading up, I found one such sign. Pointing up, it read, "Transit Line 7A". I pulled out my train map, and panning through it, I quickly found a marker which noted the same transit line. Now I knew exactly where I was in middle city, about halfway across to reaching the upper city region. If anything, now that I've found this transit, I could make a straight shot for the upper region via the lines which were heading straight into the city. Though would I be able to hitch a ride on a train without anyone knowing? Not sure, but it'd certainly be worth checking out, especially if it'll allow me to make quicker progress the city. Also, I remember Cairn said something about sticking to the tunnels if I did manage my way onto the train system. By the sounds of it, it'd certainly be a good place to remain undetected, better then on the streets.

I climbed up the stairs quickly, trying to avoid tripping on my poncho as I went. I reached the top; about half a dozen people were waiting for the next train. Noting the signs around me which were indicating the direction of upper city, I figured continuing forwards on the track to my left would lead me straight into upper city. But first things first, what were these barriers in front of me; they had red crosses displayed on their fronts. I assume I can't simply walk in, not without some kind of pass. If I try jumping over them now, the people on the platform might take notice and spot me as an exile. I had my luck against two already, I don't think it'll hold against another six. Unless, when a train pulls in, that might serve as a loud enough distraction to slip over the barriers. That'll work.

I took a few steps back down the stairs, just to absolutely stay out of sight while I waited for a train to arrive. About five minutes later, I could hear a train trundling in; that's my cue. I poked my head up and peeked over the platform. Those waiting were now readying themselves to get on the train as it was starting to slow up. During this time, I covered the remaining steps and carried myself with my arms over the barrier, to land and hide behind a platform pillar. Taking a quick peek over at the train, it was one that was heading into the upper city. Hmmm, I can see that there would be a way to get onto the train, without anyone knowing. The train was composed of different compartments, each separate and held together with a small bridge in the gap. If I can hop onto one of those, I can just stay hidden. That's assuming the passengers don't decide to walk between the compartments, but then again, what reason would they have to change seats?

My mind was made. At the last possible moment, I'll quickly jump into the gap and hide, and ride the train along. Everyone was nearly finished with boarding and disembarking. While they were still busy, I ran for it. Within a few bounds, I was at the edge of the platform, and I sprung off towards one of the gaps. I landed it neatly on the narrow walkway, and just in time too. All the doors I heard closed, and the train shunted into motion. It jerked me a little off balance, but I held on, standing up. Hang on, I better keep my head turned away from those on the platform and out of the compartment window's sight. Hopefully they'll just think I'm another passenger. The train was quickly gaining speed, and within a few moments, I was away from the platform. Better sit down, just to keep myself stable from the train's vibrations and bumping.

How many passengers are there, that are actually on board I wonder? I was still thinking about the risk of someone crossing between compartments that might run into me, being cautious to check wouldn't hurt. I pulled out and opened my glass crafts case, taking out a small lens. I slowly angled it into the path of light coming through a compartment window. A nice reflection was produced, and by the looks, there were about, three or four people on board sitting. I checked the opposite compartment; only one here. I felt somewhat relieved that weren't so many on board. The less people there were, the less the reason they would have to look for a place to sit. I settled down. Next would be to monitor my progress into the city, by keeping a close eye on the train map. I was now destined to arrive at "Transit Line 8".

A few minutes passed by, as I remained in the open of the city night. Eventually, I could already see another platform looming. Though the train didn't show any sign of slowing down. Soon, the platform raced by from view, the lights present were nothing but a blur. Luckily though, I did manage to make out from one of the signs on the train, the number 8. This must certainly be the right line I'm on to upper city. I checked the map, there were no other lines connected with the number 8 to 7A. Looking further ahead on the map, the first train platform that would be in upper city going along this line would go by the number 12. So in total, I'll have another three platforms to pass through before making it into upper city; numbers 9, 10C, and 11.

I wondered for a moment, why there were some platforms that had a number and a letter preceding it. I realized of course, that this was to account for other diverging lines that weren't part of the main line I was on. Oh, but if there are more lines then just this one, could this train decide to diverge off and away from upper city? I had to think carefully about this, I was now trying to consider how a city runs its transport system. Eventually I came to the optimistic conclusion that it shouldn't. Remembering back to 7A, I did see other lines, going off in other directions that, most importantly, weren't connected to the line I was currently riding on. I think the logic behind this, was that passengers on the main train line wanting to head onto the diverging lines had to transfer to a separate train, run specifically for such diverged lines. This probably would mean that I wasn't going to be in danger from being on a train that would do a sharp turn back or something like that, least I could only hope not.

A few more minutes passed, and Transit Line 9 was starting to loom next. This time, I could sense a deceleration; it was going to slow down to stop. I better stand up and keep my back faced towards the platform, keep my tail tucked and arms in front. The wheels of the train screeched as it finally came to a halt, putting me off balance again. Now I was in view of the platform, and to how ever many people present there. Oh please don't notice me, please don't notice me. This was more nerve racking then when I was leaving 7A, given that I was spending more time in the open on a stationary train right next to people on the platform. No wait, perhaps this isn't the best idea at all, maybe it would be better if I did sit inside the train. But really though, could it be possible to avoid being noticed? It seemed I had ruled that possibility out since 7A, but now I was thinking it could work, it all just depends on position. If I tried to come in and sit, I probably won't be able to keep my tail and paws under the poncho when it's bent. Although, I don't necessarily have to sit when I'm inside the train; I could simply stand in the corner of the compartment next to a seat with their dividing panel, keep everything tucked in as usual, and just face the door. I did see someone else stand while the train was going, so I shouldn't stick out of the crowd from standing too. It'd certainly be better then out in the open, as the seconds ticked by where I felt increasingly uncomfortable about standing where I was.

With a quick motion of my left hand, I felt for the door latch. The door clicked, and then slowly, I slid it open. I did my best to keep my head averted from those inside who were getting themselves seated. I was in the compartment where there previously was only one person, now there were three. I slipped in, keeping my back to everyone else aboard and faced the door, with a seat's divider greatly helping to conceal my presence. The train continued to remain still, and every second that ticked by was making me feel gladder that I didn't stay outside. Finally the train shunted into action; we were moving again, and it wasn't long before I finally made it past the rest of the platforms, into upper city, with an ease of being able to remain undetected. Come to think of it, I reckon it might also have something to do with how everyone on board the train seemed quite tired at this late hour of the night.

16 hours ago – Upper City – Transit Line 13C vicinity – Sometime in the night

Finally, I arrived in upper city, and by this time, I had gotten quite dreary myself. The train didn't stop at 12 on my way in, but just continued past just like 8 and 10. Putting together the pattern, I realized that this was a train that didn't stop at any platform which had an even number for some reason. Regardless, it stopped at 13C which was set within a tunnel. It was time to leave. I thought about staying on the train to try to get even further into the city, but I needed somewhere to rest first. As Cairn said, assuming I got this far, it'd be best to stick to the tunnels and stay hidden.

I slipped out of the compartment door and jumped off the train onto the concrete of the tunnel, concealed behind the train from the platform. I sprinted down the tunnel as fast as I could to try and get away from the platform before my cover moved off to the next platform. I made it well into the dark of the tunnel just as the train started rushing past me; an overly loud noise from being this close. It disappeared into the distance, its rear lights fading away. I was left on my own in the darkness; walking slowly onwards as I allowed my vision to adjust, with only a few small lights dotted along the tunnel walls to guide me. Everything was quiet as I padded along by the wall. Though they'll probably be more trains to come that'll break the peace, which would probably make it difficult for me to rest through such noises. Luckily for me, I stumbled across a solution. At the base of the tunnel and the wall, was a hatch of sorts. A metal disc was presumably covering a hole down, judging by the groove in the concrete next to the disc as space to lift it. I slid my fingers underneath and attempted to lift the hefty lid upwards. Damn, this thing is sure heavy; maybe I should just try sliding it out. Slowly, the lid grinded off to the side, revealing a metal barred ladder leading down to a route filled with wires. I climbed down, sliding the lid back over me as I went with a clunk.

This tunnel comparatively was much smaller than the train tunnel above; my head was easily reaching the ceiling. It was also particularly darker; could really use a little bit of light. Luckily once again, small vents were lining the base of the train tunnel, connecting to this one. I could see some light coming in, back in the direction of Transit Line 13; the platform lights no doubt. So I headed back, keeping my head low, until I came to the beams of light. There, I noticed a gap in the lines of wires, which were held up by metal gratings, shelves by the looks. I could easily slip under the gratings and rest here for a time. Not exactly a mattress, but worth the trade in comfort, just to lie down and shut my eyes. I slid underneath the gratings, clearing as much of the cobwebs as I could, before falling into a slumber beneath the concrete and wires of upper city.